He was almost Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

He was almost Doctor Strange, to the point where there were rumors he was going to be announced at SDCC until both parties went other directions.

And now, it looks like Joaquin Phoenix will finally enter into the superhero world, as Variety reports that the actor has entered into negotiations to play the Joker in the Todd Phillips-directed, Martin Scorsese-produced origin film for the character – with Phoenix having agreed to take the role after being Phillips’ top choice.

The film, which takes place in the 80’s and is pitched as a gritty crime drama, will be the first project in the yet to be named “out of continuity/Elseworlds” banner of DC Films. Phillips is co-writing the script with Scott Silver.

Fans of the tattooed, grilled Jared Leto version take heart though, as Leto will remain the “mainline” DCU version of the character in the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel and any other movies arising from that world.

It will be interesting to see how audiences react to different continuities playing on the big screen at the same time. I like to think it’s not a big deal anymore, but I’ll never forget sitting in a screening of Batman Begins and having a guy next to me say after the Joker’s card was revealed: “and that leads into the Burton movie”.

So…yeah. Good actor though.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Interesting pick, but I can buy him as Joker. Hopefully this means more confirmation that the Joker film is moving forward.

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